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Anonymous Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

who to address

I am writing a letter to a manager and I have rang the company to ask for a name and all they would say is Gill.
I think 'Dear Gill' is too in formal, so how should i start it?
  

Top answer

Anonymous I think 'Dear Gill' is too in formal, No, it is too informal if it is his first name. On the other hand, if it is his surname, the greeting should be 'Dear Mr Gill' . You must find out whether 'Gill' is his Christian name or his surname.

— Mister Micawber

  • Anonymous I think 'Dear Gill' is too in formal, No, it is too informal if it is his first name.
  • On the other hand, if it is his surname, the greeting should be 'Dear Mr Gill' .
  • You must find out whether 'Gill' is his Christian name or his surname.
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4 Answers
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AnonymousI think 'Dear Gill' is too in formal,
No, it is too informal if it is his first name. On the other hand, if it is his surname, the greeting should be 'Dear Mr Gill'. You must find out whether 'Gill' is his Christian name or his surname.
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If you are fairly sure that 'Gill' is a forename, then 'Dear Gill' is not too informal - that's the name they gave you.
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fivejedjonIf you are fairly sure that 'Gill' is a forename, then 'Dear Gill' is not too informal - that's the name they gave you.
Perhaps in BrE, but the better part of valour—if you are not previously acquainted—is still the surname in AmE. In spite of the current trend toward over-friendliness, I am still put off by a stranger addressing me familiarly.
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This speaker of BrE prefers a surname, initially at least, , but if the firm gave the name 'Gill' without a forename or title, then I can only assume it is a forename.

However, I have had second thoughts. 'Dear Ms/Mr Gill' is probably safer.
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